OM: A surprise in the Wahi file

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By: Manu Tournoux

Arriving at OM last summer for 25 million euros from RC Lens, Elye Wahi is already preparing to leave Marseille. After only six months at the club, the French striker could settle down in Germany. An unexpected twist occurred this Monday concerning his future, while his transfer to Eintracht Frankfurt is about to be finalized.

Despite a promising start, Wahi failed to fully convince under Roberto De Zerbi. In 13 appearances in Ligue 1, he scored 3 goals and delivered an assist, but his integration into the Marseille team seemed incomplete. Neal Maupay, his understudy, often appeared more connected to the team's play.

Frankfurt, an irresistible opportunity

According to Foot Mercato, an agreement is almost complete between OM and Eintracht Frankfurt for the transfer of Wahi. The German club, which is preparing to sell Omar Marmoush to Manchester City for nearly 80 million euros, has made the Frenchman its priority to replace the Egyptian international. Known for its recruits from Ligue 1 (Kolo Muani, Hugo Ekitike), Frankfurt convinced Marseille leaders with an offer approaching the amount invested by OM last summer.

Direction Germany for Wahi.

The departure of Wahi will nevertheless create a void in Roberto De Zerbi's squad. With only Neal Maupay as an experienced center forward and the young Robinio Vaz as a potential reinforcement, Marseille will have to work to strengthen their attack before the end of the winter transfer window.

A worrying instability at the peak

Wahi's imminent departure is part of a worrying trend for OM. In recent years, the center forward position has become a real waltz, with players succeeding one another without ever lasting. Alexis Sanchez, Vitinha and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang only spent one season at Marseille, while Luis Suárez, Cédric Bakambu and now Elye Wahi didn't even make it to the full year.

This instability raises questions about the club's strategy regarding this key position. If OM intends to continue to be involved in the fight for the Ligue 1 podium and do well in Europe, in-depth reflection will have to be carried out to stabilize the attack in the long term.